Game nights are one of those traditions that never get old. Most people have childhood memories of taking out board games to play with their family not only over the holidays, but on regular game nights too. Others may fondly recall how they would get together with friends after school to play games like chess, checkers, or Risk. If you are stuck on new games to try for game night with family or friends, we have some great suggestions!
Below are four fun games to try on a game night.
1. Bingo
Most people think of bingo as a silly game that the elderly enjoy at nursing homes or in bingo halls. Such a misconception is a shame, as it keeps people away from one of the best game night games ever made. If you have friends coming over, why not set up bingo for everyone to play. Are you hosting the next game night through Zoom instead of in person? Then why not play online bingo instead?
Bingo is such an enjoyable game, as everyone can easily understand the rules and what they are supposed to do. While you may think it’s not as interactive or strategy-based, such facts may work in your favor.
Sometimes guests are tired after playing one or two intense board or card games. They want to unwind, which is when bingo should be introduced. Now you can spend the next hour having a lot of fun, drinking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.
The beauty of bingo is that no matter how many times you play, the game never gets boring. That thrill you feel each time you are about to get bingo over your friends is one that is hard to beat! If you have bingo at your next game night, you’ll be the host with the most.
2. Texas Hold’em
A staple among gamblers and card game enthusiasts in the United States, Texas Hold’em, is a “must play” during any game night. All you need are one or two decks of cards, some chips, and $20 for each person to put into the overall pot.
Poker is such a thrill to play with family or friends, because most people become very competitive when there is a bit of money on the line. Even if the total pot is $100, someone walks away with a healthy profit on their $20 investment at the end of the night.
The only issue with playing Texas Hold’em is that some people may not know the rules. If that is the case, you can try to print out a sheet that shows the different hands and their ranking. That would make it very easy for a new player to understand what they are attempting to achieve, and whether their cards are good enough to justify a big bet.
Most people find there are some learning pains when you first introduce Hold’em into game night. Everyone gets the hang of the game within 15 to 20 minutes, and then you’re away!
3. Risk
Game night is about the strategy, thrill, and the excitement of playing various card games and board games. Such nights are also about friendship, camaraderie, and togetherness. Risk embodies all these qualities and then some.
Risk is a board game that involves world domination, where each player is allotted specific nation-states at the start of the contest. The goal is to rack up as many territories as you can, while defending the ones you already own.
The reason why Risk is so perfect for game night is because of the strategies involved. Most players find that in four, five, or six-person risk, you have to create alliances.
That means two or more players may team up to take on the rest of the group, which can create a lot of friendly banter and back-and-forth. Everything is done in good spirits, as there is no money on the line – only bragging rights!
Risk boards are very easy to find online, as you can go with the traditional look or pick out a themed board. Even though the game has been around for many years, Risk is a timeless classic that you can enjoy with friends, family, or even work colleagues during game night.
4. Cards Against Humanity
Not a traditional card game or board game, Cards Against Humanity is a cultural phenomenon that has to be a small part of every group’s game nights. Think of it as an adult-themed party game that can lighten up the mood in an instant.
Say your group is a little tired after a long game of Texas Hold’em or Risk. Some players may be less than happy after losing. Rather than playing another intense game, you can switch to Cards Against Humanity.
The objective of the game is that one player reads out a prompt, everyone else chooses a card among their pile that would make the funniest response to that prompt, and then the first player picks a winner. When you are tired of playing, whoever has the most cards chosen as the funniest among the group is the one who wins.
A word of warning for Cards Against Humanity – some of the jokes and comments on the cards are extremely adult. If you have young children who participate in this game night, you may want to skip this game and leave it for an adults-only party.
Make This Game Night Your Best Ever
By coming up with the ultimate list of games for your upcoming game night, you can ensure every guest who comes to your place will remember it for the rest of their lives.
The games we have chosen involve strategy, luck, excitement, entertainment, and plenty of laughs. There is something for everyone, which is why you are sure to find one or two game night staples among our list.